Blocked Russian TV channel Dozhd broadcasts from abroad
The Dozhd TV channel, blocked by the Russian authorities, has resumed operations from abroad. On Monday, the independent Russian broadcaster broadcast a news program with editor-in-chief Tikhon Dsjadko on its YouTube channel. According to Doschd, it has opened a new editorial office in Latvia and has a broadcasting license for the EU.
Doschd stopped broadcasting in March after the authorities blocked access to the station. The broadcaster had previously reported critically about the conflict in Ukraine. After the start of the military offensive in the neighboring country, the Russian government stepped up action against independent media.
Many journalists went into exile to avoid prosecution under a new law. This provides for a prison sentence of up to 15 years for the publication of false information about the Russian military.
“In the four and a half months that Dozhd was idle, the Russian leadership’s bloody and senseless war against Ukraine continued, killing people and destroying lives.”, the broadcaster announced. “Today, more than ever, Russian citizens should have access to independent information.”
The station, founded in 2008, reported on the opposition and protest movements in Russia. In 2021 he was classified as a “foreign agent”. This entailed strict conditions for the broadcaster and the risk of a ban. (AFP)
